Platini wants Domenech to remain France coach

DPA Paris, July 2 (DPA) Michel Platini has voiced his support, but a majority of French no longer want Raymond Domenech as national football team coach after a Euro 2008 disaster, the L’Equipe sports daily reported. L’Equipe said it carried out a survey Tuesday in which 52 percent wanted Domenech out, with 41 percent saying he could continue and eight percent undecided.

France crashed out in a tough group at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, drawing 0-0 with Romania and then losing 4-1 to the Netherlands and 2-0 to World Champions Italy.

Platini, who captained France to the first of two continental titles in 1984, told L’Equipe that Domenech’s mix of old and young players was not successful but that a change would be “dangerous”.

“We must qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Raymond Domenech is the man best for this job. He knows the present and future players best,” said Platini.

The French football federation (FFF) has set a meeting for Thursday to decide on the future of Domenech, who has been on the job since 2004 and led the team to the 2006 World Cup final.

The French public appears to share this view as Deschamps was named by 43 percent as the ideal new man should Domenech have to go, followed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc (17 percent each). DPA